Vietnam Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors (2025 Guide by Savor Vietnam)
Updated 2025 — by Savor Vietnam
If this is your first time visiting Vietnam, welcome — you’re in for a sensory, scenic and delicious adventure. This practical guide collects the most important, up-to-date tips Savor Vietnam gives to our clients: how to handle visas, money, transport, health, food safety, and how to get the most out of your trip without common mistakes that ruin vacations.
Quick checklist before you go
- Passport valid ≥ 6 months after entry date
- Confirm visa type (e-visa / visa-on-arrival / visa-exempt)
- Buy travel insurance covering health & evacuation
- Download Grab app; prepare USD cash for emergencies
- Pack a light rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes
1. Visas & entry — what travelers must know
Which visa fits you?
Most travelers use one of three options:
- E-visa — apply online for single or multiple entry (check country eligibility and processing times).
- Visa on arrival — requires pre-approval from a licensed agency; collect visa stamp at airport.
- Visa exemption — some nationalities have short-stay exemptions (always verify current rules).
Pro tips: Print e-visa approval and keep a scanned copy in your email. Expect immigration queues in peak hours — plan arrival times accordingly.
2. Best time & regional weather
Vietnam spans three climatic zones. Pick your route by season:
- North (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long): cool from Oct–Apr; best for trekking Oct–Nov and March–April.
- Central (Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang): dry season Feb–Aug; beware typhoon season Sep–Nov.
- South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong): dry Nov–Apr; hot & wet May–Oct.
If you plan a long loop, either travel in shoulder seasons (Mar–Apr or Oct–Nov) or split regions to match weather.
3. Money, card use & tipping
Vietnam Currency and ATM
Local currency is VND (Vietnamese Dong). Small vendors and street food prefer cash.
- Carry small notes for markets and taxis.
- ATMs widely available in cities; use bank ATMs (Vietcombank, Agribank) if possible.
- Credit cards accepted in mid/upper-tier hotels, restaurants & online booking sites.
Tipping: not mandatory but appreciated; 5–10% in restaurants is fine if service charge not applied.
4. Connectivity — SIM & eSIM
Buy a local SIM at the airport or main stores (Viettel, Mobifone, Vinaphone). eSIM is increasingly supported and perfect for short visits. Typical tourist package: 10–30GB for $6–$12.
5. Transport & getting around
Grab motorbike taxi in Vietnam
City travel: Use Grab for car or motorbike rides. Negotiate fixed price with xe ôm (motorbike driver) or use Grab to avoid disputes.
Between cities:
- Flights: Very cheap on low-cost carriers — book early for best fares.
- Trains: Scenic (Reunification Express), comfortable sleepers for overnight trips.
- Private cars: Best for groups/families; agree on route and price in advance.
6. Street food & health safety
Street food is central to the Vietnam experience. To eat safely:
- Choose busy stalls — turnover means fresh food.
- Prefer cooked dishes over raw seafood if you have a sensitive stomach.
- Use bottled water and avoid ice from open stalls unless you trust the vendor.
If you have dietary restrictions (gluten, shellfish, vegetarian), learn a few local phrases or use a note card in Vietnamese to explain requirements — we can prepare printable cards for your clients.
7. Common scams & how to avoid them
- Taxi scams: insist on meter or use Grab.
- Fake tour operators: book via reputable agencies (Savor Vietnam provides confirmed vouchers).
- Overcharging at markets: clarify prices before buying and practice light bargaining.
8. Health & insurance
Get travel insurance that covers medical care and evacuation. Carry a small first-aid kit (diarrhea tablets, rehydration salts, basic painkillers). For prescriptions bring a doctor’s note if you need to refill medicines in Vietnam.
9. What to pack (practical list)
- Lightweight clothes + one warmer layer for north
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Rain jacket or foldable umbrella
- Plug adapter (Type A / C)
- Copies of passport & travel insurance
Final words — how Savor Vietnam helps
We design private tours, safe food tours, hotel bookings, and provide 24/7 support for clients. If you’d like an arrival briefing, food allergy cards, or a private driver, Savor Vietnam can prepare everything.
📲 WhatsApp: +84 913319966
📧 Email: contact1@savorvietnam.com
